No Action To Be Taken By HSE On Nursing Home Charges

Independent TD Mattie McGrath has expressed his frustration after the HSE confirmed to him that neither they nor the Minister for Health are in a position to intervene where nursing homes residents are being charged for ‘social activities’ despite the inability of the residents to participate in such activities. Deputy McGrath had brought the matter to the attention of the Minister for Health Leo Varadkar last month but was subsequently referred to the HSE:

“I again reiterate my serious concern about the nature of these charges which are applying to elderly residents at the rate of up €151 per month irrespective of whether or not they can avail of the social activities on offer.

I had hoped that the Minister would have taken the matter more seriously and have had the matter properly scrutinised, regardless of the HSE claim that it has no power to alter the level of these charges.

Some of the residents are paying an estimated €35 per week.

I am determined that this matter will be pursued, until at the very least, a cost reduction measure, or an opt out clause will be offered to those residents who have no realistic opportunity to take part in such activities.

Many of these residents are being supported by families who are struggling to cover the ongoing costs associated with providing their loved ones with the appropriate level of care.

In that context it is simply not acceptable that such charges should continue to apply,” concluded Deputy McGrath.